Tag Archives: educational assistance

A benefit that UDOT offers employees is educational assistance. Employees are such a valuable asset to the department that we’ve had a policy in place since 1968 to help individuals better themselves through education. This in turn benefits the department since we are improving our workforce.

Employees can get 100 percent reimbursement on courses that are directly related to their job and courses that aren’t directly related may be eligible for 75 percent if they’re a benefit to UDOT. Funding for these reimbursements comes from an grant through FHWA.

We do have a few requirements to make sure this assistance is used appropriately.

It is only available to permanent employees and some interns with benefits.

Courses must be taught at an accredited institution for college credit; certification only programs with no college credit are not eligible.

Employees must complete the course with at least a “C”.

The reimbursement is only for tuition and mandatory fees not parking, books, etc.

There’s some upfront paperwork that has to be completed which includes a contract and disclosure of any other funding assistance that is being received.

Once a course is finished employees need to submit their receipt and report card within 30 days.

Courses and homework have to be completed on an employee’s own time.

And, if the employee leaves UDOT within 12 months of receiving assistance they will have to pay us back.

Employees should also keep in mind that if they’re interested they need to work with their supervisor and the educational assistance administrator before starting any course or program.

UDOT Comptroller Becky Bradshaw used the assistance program and was able to advance to the position she holds today thanks to the education she received. She explained that employees often think of their salary as the only benefit of working but that UDOT also tries to provide other advantages to our employees and this is a perfect example.

This may seem like a strange time to be talking about school since fall is usually when we’re thinking about it. But, this is graduation season and for most of us there’s no greater motivation than the prize at the end. Recent graduate Donna McNew understands this and sent thanks along to her supervisors and senior leaders for the educational assistance program. In her thank you she said, “This is a wonderful benefit for UDOT employees, not many individuals can say they graduated with a master’s degree and no debt.”

How many employees do you think are like Becky and Donna and jump at the chance to use this benefit? Not very many. For our current fiscal year there are around 25 employees using the assistance and we have over 1,600 employees total. Going back to school is daunting and we hope that by spreading the word about this great opportunity we can lessen some of the burden for those that feel it is right for them.

If you’re not employed by UDOT does your employer offer any great benefits like this one? Do they offer any benefits that seem to good to be true? For UDOT employees, did you know about this benefit or know anyone who has taken advantage it? Let us know in the comments!